As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone.
How many decoys do you need for ducks?
On smaller, confined waters, a spread of six to 36 decoys should be sufficient. On larger waters or dry fields, hunters should put out as many decoys as practical. I never heard of anybody scaring ducks or geese away because they used too many decoys. Typically, the more, the merrier.
How far apart should decoys be?
One of the common mistakes in laying out long lines is placing your decoys too closely together. Set them about 10 yards apart; any closer and you increase the risk that incoming ducks will land in the line, short of where you want them.
How many spinning wing decoys should I use?
Using spinning wing decoys in a field for ducks
Using spinning wing decoys while duck hunting in a field is a highly effective tactic that hunters across all flyways take advantage of. In many instances, hunters will use 6-12 of them when duck hunting in a field.
Do you need diver decoys?
For maximum success, you need to use appropriate decoys, divers for divers and set your spread in a way that mimics the ways in which real birds sit on the water. While divers can often be found close to shore, a serious hunter will find himself chasing birds that are in deep water far from land.
Will diver ducks come into mallard decoys?
Now, diving ducks are typically not the most wary of fowl, but on most days, they won’t just pitch perfectly into a half-dozen mallard decoys, either.
Can you use too many duck decoys?
Packing too many blocks in a small area won’t look natural. Just make sure decoys are visible and look relaxed. Use common sense for in-between scenarios. Two to four dozen blocks will probably work fine in marsh or river backwater situations.
What do you do with diver ducks?
The Best Ways to Cook Divers, Mergansers, and Sea Ducks
After a buttermilk soak, toss the breasts through a mix of flour, cornstarch, and spices, then dip in egg wash, add another coating of flour and cornstarch, then pan fry in peanut oil. This is great method for cooking divers, mergansers, and sea ducks.
How far should decoys be from blind?
How far should the decoys be from your blind? Well, the quick and simple answer is somewhere between 15-30 yards. Preparing your decoy spread can be fun and straightforward as long as you keep a few basics in mind. You want your decoy spread to appear natural.
What is the best decoy spread for ducks?
One of the most reliable decoy setups on land or water is the Fishhook, also known as a “J Spread.” The Fishhook works best when the wind is angling over the shooter’s shoulder or parallel to the bank. The shank of the fishhook extends downwind.
How long should duck decoy line be?
4 to 6 feet
Line length for puddle-duck decoys should be 4 to 6 feet. For diver decoys in deep water, use 8 to 20-foot lines. Be sure to secure some lines at the head keel holes in some decoys (using a loop knot, or heavy-duty swivel), while securing others at the tail.
Are spinning wing decoys worth it?
Spinning-wing decoys seem to pay benefits when hunting mallards on big water or, especially, in fields. In fact, I think spinners are crucial to field-hunting success, though you want to use models with remote-controlled on-off switches, which let you stop the spinning wings as ducks get close.
What is the best spinning wing decoy?
- Avian-X PowerFlight Mallard Decoy. If you’re a duck hunter and you haven’t been living under a rock for the last decade, chances are: you recognize the name Avian-X.
- Mojo Elite Series King Mallard.
- Higdon Outdoors Floating Flasher Duck Decoy.
- Mojo Outdoors Elite Series Teal.
Do motorized duck decoys work?
Motion decoys work because they: Attract attention that ducks can see from long distances. Create movement on the water’s surface. Provide a focal point for circling ducks which helps hunters stay hidden.
Can you eat diver ducks?
Grilled Diver Duck Breasts
Diver ducks can often use a little help from a flavorful marinade. They’re typically leaner and darker than puddle ducks, but can be just as tasty, provided you know how to cook them.
Should you mix duck and goose decoys?
“I do mix duck decoys among the goose decoys, but I keep the duck decoys together within the goose decoys,” he said. “It’s not out of the question for ducks to spread out and mix in with the geese as they feed, but I want my spread to look like the ducks just landed.”
Will geese land in duck decoys?
Most of the time, geese will try to land right between the two groups of decoys.” Wettish also believes that decoy placement is critical when hunting with a small spread. “On ponds and in small fields, you need to watch the birds once or twice before you hunt them,” he says.
Will teal decoys work for mallards?
You Probably Already Have The Best Teal Decoys There Are
Buy teal decoys if you want, but the hen mallards you already own work extremely well. They’re the right color for September ducks, and they’re oversized, which helps them stand out at a distance.
Do ducks like to land into the wind?
But here’s an inconvenient truth: Ducks and geese don’t always land into the wind. In fact, when the wind is light, they might approach from any direction. During those situations, you’re better off ignoring the wind and heeding an obvious but oft-ignored tenet of hunting: Keeping the sun at your back.
Can you hunt sea ducks from shore?
Hunting from shore is legal provided that the shoreline is not private (unless you have permission to be there). It also must not be in an area covered by one of the numerous ecological reserves, marine reserves, state parks, etc. along the California coast (see Fish and Game Code, section 2016, for the parameters).
Is it OK to leave duck decoys out?
Registered. It does not hurt to leave out. If having good success in one location then leave out.